Dechlorinating

Heidelberg · January 23, 2011

I usually set my water out for 24 hours to dechlorinate before watering my plants. I am an aquarium hobbyist and got into the habit of doing this as it kills the beneficial biota in dirt just like it does in the tank. On occasion, however, I use aquarium dechlorinator when I have not had the opportunity to set my water out. This does not seem to affect my terrarium or aquarium plants but the mineral content of that water is pretty high to begin with. The Mycorrhiza in my soil seems to be doing very well which is good. But I recently had a possible micronutrient issue on a different thread which is being addressed. It says on the dechlorinator that it 'removes heavy metals'. Does anyone think this could be locking up my micronutrients? I had an epiphany today and figured I would see what you guys think about it.

Stepheninky · January 23, 2011

Well the question is a yes / no answer, The removal of the heavy metals actually would help prevent nutrient lockout. Over use or long term use could cause the PH to rise and that would possibly cause nutrient lockout. Usually though the cause is old liquid ferts the nutrients can solidify or evaporate from the liquid solution or within the growing medium and cause lockout (that is the most common cause). Also salt build up from fertilizer use can also cause this.

Flush out the soil and water with just water for the next week or two.(there are also products on the market that can be used for this as well) If you are worried about chlorines and such let the water sit out and if you want to speed up the process use an air stone and pump.

Feed with 1/4 strength high quality complete plant food mix along with a high quality vitamin B-1 product such as Superthrive. There are also mineral products as well.

You can test the run off for PH and PPM if you have access to testers as well.

Heidelberg · January 23, 2011

OK yeah I already did a flush 3 days ago and am seeing some improvements. I was just wondering if that dechlorinator+ could have been binding with the metals like magnesium, iron, ect.. I don't plan on using it anymore just in case. I have added some micronutrients and a light dose of fertilizer. Things seem to be improving with the sick plant. We have salty water here so that thought had crossed my mind as well. I will flush it out again if the problem resumes.

rnewste · January 23, 2011

Heidel,

There was an extensive Thread a year ago re: Chlorine and more importantly, Chloramine is Municipal Water systems. I am going to be installing a Chloramine filter (finally) for this Season. Here is the Thread:

http://www.tomatoville.com/showthrea...light=chlorine

Raybo

Heidelberg · January 24, 2011

Thats good info. To the best of my knowledge there is no actual info stating that Tempe (the suburn of Phoenix where I live) does or does not use chloramine. But all the people I have asked say no. I sometimes cycle with distilled water when I am afraid that toxins are building up. Have you seen an improvement with your filter?

rnewste · January 24, 2011

Heidel,

I have been trying to find fittings to adapt the Filter to my 1/2" Automated Watering System, so this is my goal for the 2011 Season - get it operational!

It is my understanding that virtually all Municipal Water Suppliers use Chlormine, as it is much more effective that the older Chlorine treatment method. A quick call to the Water Company in Tempe would clear this up for you.

Raybo

MJACTIVIST · January 24, 2011

Ray- they use Chloramine instead b/c it doesn’t evaporate from the water before it reaches us.

Heidelberg-check your cities water report before buying any filters. Some people are lucky and their city water is good. And I don't know how much chloramine is needed to cause adverse affects on plants. But my city allows a maximum level of 4ppm of chlorine or choramine. And I have no problems. I do use RO water but, only b/c as the seasons and temps change, so does the calcium levels. So I use 12% Calcium Fert-All to add exactly the amount of calcium I want.

January 23, 2011	#1
Heidelberg Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Phoenix Posts: 22	Dechlorinating I usually set my water out for 24 hours to dechlorinate before watering my plants. I am an aquarium hobbyist and got into the habit of doing this as it kills the beneficial biota in dirt just like it does in the tank. On occasion, however, I use aquarium dechlorinator when I have not had the opportunity to set my water out. This does not seem to affect my terrarium or aquarium plants but the mineral content of that water is pretty high to begin with. The Mycorrhiza in my soil seems to be doing very well which is good. But I recently had a possible micronutrient issue on a different thread which is being addressed. It says on the dechlorinator that it 'removes heavy metals'. Does anyone think this could be locking up my micronutrients? I had an epiphany today and figured I would see what you guys think about it.

January 23, 2011	#3
Heidelberg Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Phoenix Posts: 22	OK yeah I already did a flush 3 days ago and am seeing some improvements. I was just wondering if that dechlorinator+ could have been binding with the metals like magnesium, iron, ect.. I don't plan on using it anymore just in case. I have added some micronutrients and a light dose of fertilizer. Things seem to be improving with the sick plant. We have salty water here so that thought had crossed my mind as well. I will flush it out again if the problem resumes. Last edited by Heidelberg; January 23, 2011 at 06:06 PM. Reason: more info

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January 23, 2011	#2
Stepheninky Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 682	Well the question is a yes / no answer, The removal of the heavy metals actually would help prevent nutrient lockout. Over use or long term use could cause the PH to rise and that would possibly cause nutrient lockout. Usually though the cause is old liquid ferts the nutrients can solidify or evaporate from the liquid solution or within the growing medium and cause lockout (that is the most common cause). Also salt build up from fertilizer use can also cause this. Flush out the soil and water with just water for the next week or two.(there are also products on the market that can be used for this as well) If you are worried about chlorines and such let the water sit out and if you want to speed up the process use an air stone and pump. Feed with 1/4 strength high quality complete plant food mix along with a high quality vitamin B-1 product such as Superthrive. There are also mineral products as well. You can test the run off for PH and PPM if you have access to testers as well.

January 23, 2011	#4
rnewste Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 4,064	Heidel, There was an extensive Thread a year ago re: Chlorine and more importantly, Chloramine is Municipal Water systems. I am going to be installing a Chloramine filter (finally) for this Season. Here is the Thread: http://www.tomatoville.com/showthrea...light=chlorine Raybo

January 24, 2011	#5
Heidelberg Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Phoenix Posts: 22	Thats good info. To the best of my knowledge there is no actual info stating that Tempe (the suburn of Phoenix where I live) does or does not use chloramine. But all the people I have asked say no. I sometimes cycle with distilled water when I am afraid that toxins are building up. Have you seen an improvement with your filter?

January 24, 2011	#7
MJACTIVIST Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: ca Posts: 79	Ray- they use Chloramine instead b/c it doesn’t evaporate from the water before it reaches us. Heidelberg-check your cities water report before buying any filters. Some people are lucky and their city water is good. And I don't know how much chloramine is needed to cause adverse affects on plants. But my city allows a maximum level of 4ppm of chlorine or choramine. And I have no problems. I do use RO water but, only b/c as the seasons and temps change, so does the calcium levels. So I use 12% Calcium Fert-All to add exactly the amount of calcium I want.